Saying there is a green computer is like saying there is a green car. There simply isn't such a thing! If you choose to have a computer, or a car for that matter, it will make a significant impact on the environment. The size of the impact, however, will vary greatly - there is a very wide green spectrum for computer systems.
My idea here is to create a simple guide, that can give you some pointers on how to move towards the greener end. The guide will be built around the classical “Reduce – Reuse – Recycle” mantra, showing how to improve the computer you already have, and how to make use of what you already have when improving an existing system, or setting up an entirely new system. Buying new components may be required, but other ways will be explored before this is done. For all recommendations and suggested solutions, I will try to list the pro's and con's I can see, but at the end of the day, it is up to the reader to determine which advice to follow, and which to ignore.
Why am I writing this guide? Well, I have for a long time wanted to create / configure a greener computing solution for myself, and many of the questions and solutions described here have come up in the discussions I have had with my friends. Also, I want to pitch in to the general “going greener” movement, and this is just about the only way I can do it! :)
Reduce
So, how can I reduce the stress on my computer, to make it run quicker using less energy? Having gone through a number of options, I have found it possible to place them in three categories:
- Reduction of Software Load, i.e. the stuff that is run on the computer.
- Reduction of Hardware Load, i.e. the stuff on or connected to the box.
- Modifications to the Core Components, i.e. changes to stuff inside the box.
Using the car simile, something that is often used when trying to explain computers to non-techies, these would translate into:
- Reduction of software load = not using the AC unless on very hot days, putting the gear box in economy mode instead of sport mode. This is generally stuff that can be done by the switch of a button / click of the mouse, and it can be done by absolutely anyone who has read the operating instructions.
- Reduction of hardware load = removal of the roof rack when it is not in use, taking the spare set of tires out of the boot, removing the back seat etc. This is stuff that involves some form physical change to the equipment or set-up, but the work does not necessarily require an engineer or mechanic.
- Modifications to the core components = doing an LPG / ethanol conversion of a petrol car, replacing an old radiator with a new, more efficient model. This is stuff that requires good technical knowledge, but in many cases can be done in the garden shed if you are willing to take the risk.
For various reasons, these types do not apply to all types of computers. In general, laptops are harder to physically modify than desktops. Also, there is a great difference between different brands of computers, with “no-name” or bespoke systems generally being the easiest ones to modify, while the biggest brands are typically the hardest.
Click here to read more about "Reduce"
Reuse
The greenest computer is the one that already exists! Due to the embodied energy associated with a computer, it more or less always better to reuse an existing system (in full or in part) than buying a brand new one. Of course, as for the car mentioned before, this is only valid up to a point, but in most cases, if the computer was relatively good when it was bought, and you do not necessarily need be on the bleeding edge of processing power (i.e. play computer games) a five-year lifespan is not unrealistic. Actually, the computer on which this is written is five years old, and with a little TLC it will continue to be useful for several years to come.
So what can be done if one wants to reuse an existing, older computer, that has become a bit sluggish? Well, there are a number of avenues that definitely should be considered:
- Operating system re-installation – Generally, this can be thought of as a tune-up of a car, where the engine gets a full overhaul, and all the old oil and dirt is removed. What you get is more or less the same as you had before, but it will run smoother, cleaner and leaner.
- Change of operating system – This can be thought of as a change of the engine control system of a car, i.e. replacing the small box of electronics that controls everything in the engine, from valve timing, to fuel injection etc. In the case of the computer, the end result will generally be more different for the car, but in the end, it will most likely allow you to do whatever you did before, but quicker.
- Replacing / upgrading components – This ranges from something as radical as a processor change (in a car this would be a complete engine replacement), to something as simple as addition of more memory or clipping on a new heat sink (for a car changing to high-quality spark plugs or exhaust system.)
All of these activities require a bit more experience than the reductions described earlier. However, most people should still be able to perform them, with or without assistance from someone on the Internet. Remember, if you get in a sticky situation, Uncle Google can be your best friend! :)
Again, it may not be possible to do for all types of computers. The operating system changes should be easy enough on most computers (for which more than one operating system exists that is.) However, hardware changes depend on the flexibility of the original computer. The more specialised components it contains, the harder it will be to upgrade.
Click here to read more about "Reuse"
Recycle
Here comes the fun part - everyone's chance to play Doctor Frankenstein! :) Building a new computer from scrapped parts from one or more other computers. More or less all of the activities suggested under Reduce and Recycle also figure here, with the additional challenge of getting the hardware to match.
The guide will be a step-by-step process on how to compile a "new" computer from existing parts, including:
- Purpose – What is it you are trying to achieve? A track-day racing car for your daughter, or a reliable shopping car for your grandfather?
- Getting the Parts – Depending on the purpose, which components do I need? How big should the engine be? What type of chassis should I go for?
- Assembly – Once I have all the parts, how do I put them bolt them together? If I cannot find a special part, can I replace it with another?
- Installation and Testing – When everything has been assembled, it is time fill up the tank and take it for a test drive.
